In my decade-long journey as a lash artist, I’ve had my share of ups and downs. Over the years, I’ve learned one valuable lesson that has shaped how I deal with difficult situations: Stay calm, and don’t take things personally. It's easier said than done, but in this line of work—or in any service industry—keeping your cool is key to maintaining professionalism.
**Humility as a Virtue**
One surprising thing I’ve learned is that sometimes, humiliation can be a virtue. By this, I mean that when faced with uncomfortable or even humiliating situations, embracing our own imperfections can make us stronger. When we accept our own flaws, we are better able to accept others when they make mistakes. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration, I’ve trained myself to see these moments as learning opportunities, both for me and for my clients.
**Staying Grounded in Skill and Experience**
As professionals, we often take pride in our skills and the experience we’ve gained. However, being skilled or experienced doesn’t make us immune to difficult situations or clients. The key is to stay grounded. Humility and an open mindset are essential, especially when faced with challenging people. Instead of letting frustration build, remind yourself that staying down-to-earth will help you navigate tough situations more effectively.
**Tips for Handling Difficult Clients**
- **Stay Calm**: When a client becomes difficult, take a deep breath. Remaining calm allows you to assess the situation logically, rather than emotionally.
- **Listen**: Often, clients just want to feel heard. Even if they’re being unreasonable, acknowledging their concerns can defuse tension.
- **Don’t Take It Personally**: If a client threatens you with a bad review or makes a complaint, it’s easy to take it as a personal attack. Remind yourself that their frustrations may not be about you specifically. You’re dealing with their expectations, and sometimes, those are out of sync with reality.
- **Focus on Solutions**: Whenever possible, shift the conversation from the problem to the solution. Ask the client what would make them happy and see if it’s something reasonable you can provide.
- **Set Boundaries**: While it’s important to be flexible, setting clear boundaries is essential. Don’t allow anyone to disrespect or mistreat you. Being firm, but polite, shows professionalism.
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**Accept Imperfection**: No one is perfect, and that’s okay. If you make a mistake, own it, apologize, and move forward. Showing your humanity can often win over even the most difficult clients.
**A Humble Approach to Client Relations**
After years of experience, I’ve come to believe that how we deal with people is as important as the technical skills we offer. Our expertise can be a source of pride, but it can also make us rigid if we aren't careful. Staying humble, embracing imperfection, and accepting difficult situations as part of the process is what keeps us growing.